Defence Online

Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine support facility upgraded

Maritime October 2, 2024

UK submarines will be able to go through maintenance work faster and therefore redeploy more quickly, following major upgrade works at a key naval base facility.

The biggest submarine dry dock in Devonport, known as 9 Dock, has reopened today following a major refurbishment project worth £200M completed under a contract with Babcock International Group.

At an opening ceremony in Plymouth, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle MP announced that 9 Dock and Devonport are pivotal to the government’s triple-lock nuclear guarantee to deliver our next generation, Continuous-At-Sea Nuclear Deterrent.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP said: “The Vanguard fleet is at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe. This government is committed to a ‘triple-lock’ on our nuclear and to bolstering national security through crucial refurbishments such as this one.

“I am honoured to open 9 Dock, and to have the opportunity to speak with personnel and staff on their vital contribution to our nation’s security.”

Devonport is the biggest naval base in Western Europe and has been a vital support for the Royal Navy since 1691. Spread across a vast area of more than 650 acres, it features 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths, and five basins.

With a workforce of 7,000 Service people and civilians, Devonport also contributes to the local economy by supporting approximately 400 local businesses and generating around ten percent of Plymouth’s income. Employing more than 10% of Plymouth’s workforce it contributes 14% of Plymouth’s economy Nationally, Devonport plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s Maritime industry by creating high-quality jobs, attracting further investment and subsequently strengthening the UK’s strategic position on the global stage.

There were 1,250 people employed during upgrades to 9 Dock, through the project team and the supply chain. More than 900 people were local and commuted daily with 25 apprentices employed during the project.

The upgrades made to the dock have been undertaken to maintain and upgrade the support services, buildings, security arrangements and the equipment in the Dock, such as the installation of the Alternative Mechanical Handling package that will help reduce the maintenance durations by driving up productivity. This major refurbishment to 9 Dock allows the continuation of the upkeep of ballistic missile submarines, officially known as Deep Maintenance Period (DMP), for Vanguard Class submarines. The four Vanguard Class SSBNs form the backbone of the United Kingdom’s Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent which keeps the nation safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Vanguard Class undergo cycles of planned Deep Maintenance Periods throughout their lifetime. These maintenance periods ensure they remain fitted with the latest technology and systems to fulfil their operational capabilities.

Babcock CEO, David Lockwood said: “Supporting the Continuous at Sea Deterrent is the most important thing we do. The huge investment and increase in digital technology in this submarine facility ensures the UK has a sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future.

“Opening our Engineering & Skills establishment at City College Plymouth on the same day, demonstrates our commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs to continue to deliver these vital defence programmes.”

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Babcock submarine

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.